DEA, FBI join probe of assault on doctor, wife in their Bedford mansion

BEDFORD - The FBI and federal Drug Enforcement Administration have joined the investigation into the assaults of Eduardo and Sonia Quesada, the anesthesiologist and his wife injured in their Bedford home this past weekend, an official said.

The two agencies provide resources that can be helpful in the investigation, said Hillsborough County Attorney Dennis Hogan, whose prosecutors are involved in the case.

"It's not unusual," Hogan said. "In fact, I can think of a lot of different cases where the FBI is there as a resource, and that's certainly the case here."

On Saturday night, police answered a call for a burglary in progress and found the Quesadas badly injured in their upscale home at 7 Proclamation Court. Dr. Quesada is believed to have suffered serious wounds to his head. Sonia Quesada's injuries were less severe, and authorities said Tuesday they hoped to interview her soon and develop a description of the assailant.

A 2-year-old child in the home was unharmed and was placed in the custody of a relative.

The federal agents join a host of others involved in the case, including Bedford Police, the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit, the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office and Hillsborough County Sheriff deputies.

The DEA involvement means that Bedford Police Chief John Bryfonski has tapped the agency where he worked for about 17 years before taking the top job in Bedford last year.

"They have things within their agency that may be useful in the investigation," said Hogan, who would not elaborate further.

While police were called to the house for a burglary in progress, Bryfonski has said he has not ruled out other explanations for the assaults.

In November 2001, police had made an arrest at that address on a domestic-related assault charge, but charges were dropped and the record has been annulled, the chief has said. Police were called to the home about 10 p.m. Saturday. Police have said there is no indication that Bedford residents should feel any less safe than usual.

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